CCUSA Refugee and Immigrat ion Serv ices

AP

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MIGRATION MONTHLY

Purpose of the Monthly

Presentation

Share Resources Strengthen Agency

Networks

Support Immigration &

Refugee Programs

Funding

Oppor tun i t ies

Agency

Resources

Pol icy

Updates

Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Along with the usual webinar information, this Migration Monthly will cover some major immigration

policy changes that have developed since the COVID-19 Pandemic.

If you have any questions to pose to the network on how other immigration programs are responding

to the public health precautions – please feel free to send an inquiry to the RIS listserv: ccusa-

immigrants-refugeesservs@maillist.catholiccharitiesusa.org.

If you have any COVID-19 resources please send the information to Brigid McKeon at

bmckeon@caholiccharitiesusa.org and Simona Wright-James at swright@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

The information will be shared through the RIS network through the Immigration newsletters and

posted for public view on CCUSA’s COVID-19 Resource Page.

Immigration

Policy Updates

March 13th – U.S. announced a travel ban on foreign nationals who had

recently spent time in Europe from entering the United States. The ban

does not extend to U.S. citizens, green card holders, and certain family

members. Read more at BBC.

March 18th – The U.S. and Canada ban non-essential travel to slow the

spread of COVID-19. Read more at Politico.

March 20th – The U.S. and Mexico closed the southern border to all

nonessential travel. The only exceptions include those traveling for

work, school, or for medical purposes. Read more at NPR.

Both the Canada and Mexico partial border closures went into effect

Saturday, March 21st.

March 26th – The State Department issued a Level 4 “do not travel”

Advisory for global travel, highly recommending that U.S. citizens refrain

from international travel. Read more at New York Times.

New Travel Restrictions

Immigration

Policy Updates

March 18th – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announce a

suspension of most of their enforcement activities – deporting only

undocumented foreign nationals who pose a threat to the public. Read

more at The Hill.

The announcement also highlighted that undocumented immigrants

should not avoid seeking “medical care because they fear civil

immigration enforcement.” ICE usually does not arrest people at

”sensitive locations” - including medical facilities. Access CLINIC’s

Sensitive Locations resource.

March 18th – ICE announced a suspension of some deportation flights to

Italy, South Korea, and China. Other deportation flights have continued

despite protests from immigration advocates that deportations are

unnecessary and should be halted to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On March 19th, Guatemala resumed accepting deportations from the

U.S., reversing a two-day decree blocking flights. On March 29th, a

Guatemalan national deported from the U.S. a week prior tested positive

for COVID-19. Read more at CBS News and Al Jazeera.

ICE Policy Changes

Immigration

Policy Updates

March 18th – Refugee admissions to the US are temporarily

suspended following a UNHCR and IOM decision to pause refugee

travel. The UN agency cited the possibility of spreading COVID-19 as

the reason to temporarily stop arrivals. The current timeline for arrivals

to restart is April 6th. Read more at UNHCR’s website and CNN.

March 30st – It is reported that the administration is deporting

unaccompanied migrant children without due process, immediately

sending them back to their country of origin. Read more at CBS News.

March 30st – A federal judge has administered a ruling to the Trump

Administration to defend why 7,000 detained immigrant minors in

detention centers. The children could live with sponsors to avoid the

likely spread of COVID-19 in detention facilities. A D.C. federal judge

expanded the order to include their detained parents. The deadline to

respond is April 6th. Read more at New York Times.

ORR Policy Changes

Immigration

Policy Updates

March 18th – The DOJ closed additional 10 immigration courts until April

10th and postponed all immigration hearings for those not currently in

detention. Most Immigration courts remain open. See details on specific

courts’ operational status on EOIR's homepage.

March 18th – Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) issued

guidance that defers all non-detained cases scheduled between March 18

and April 10; encourages the resolution of cases through written

pleadings, stipulations and joint motions; and reminds immigration judges

of their authority to waive the appearance of represented respondents.

On March 26, 2020, CLINIC joined AILA, NAIJ, AFGE and 70

organizations in calling on the Justice Department to immediately close all

68 immigration courts operated by the Executive Office for Immigration

Review, or EOIR, in adherence with current public health protocols

regarding the COVID-19 virus. View the resource here.

Immigration Legal Services Changes

Immigration

Policy Updates

March 18th – USCIS: activities requiring public interaction are

suspended, but non-public work will continue. As of April 1st, the offices

are set to open on May 4th unless public closures are extended further.

This could affect clients who have an interview (required before receiving

their next non-immigrant visa extension, green card, natz, as examples)

but now have to wait until interviews begin again. If their current status is

running out, USCIS must provide guidance and allow extensions for

immigrants or some type of relief. Read more at USCIS.com.

From USCIS’s website: USCIS domestic field offices will send notices to

applicants and petitioners with scheduled appointments and

naturalization ceremonies impacted by this temporary closure. USCIS

asylum offices will send interview cancellation notices and automatically

reschedule asylum interviews. When the interview is rescheduled, asylum

applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and

location for the interview. When USCIS again resumes normal

operations, USCIS will automatically reschedule Application Support

Center appointments due to the office closure.

Immigration Legal Services Changes

Immigration

Policy Updates

Back in November 2019, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether or not

the Trump Administration’s efforts to terminate the DACA program was legal. The

court is expected to issue a decision on the case in the next upcoming months,

most likely between April and June.

Advocates have pushed for an extension of DACA due to the possible

ramifications of a negative ruling during a pandemic. Over 27,000 DACA

recipients work as doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers.

USCIS has relaxed some of the regulations on DACA renewals due to the

temporary closure of in-person services.

Resources:

Informed Immigrant – DACA Updates during the Coronavirus

CLINIC - In Defense of DACA: Talking points on the far-reaching benefits DACA

has had on individuals, families and America as a whole

CLINIC - CCUSA, CLINIC and MRS urge DHS to extend DACA deadline, provide

fee relief for hurricane victims

Awaiting the Supreme Court

Decision on DACA

CCUSA Updates

CCUSA COVID-19 Resource Page

Catholic Charities USA has put together a resource page highlighting the latest information on COVID-19 from

the national office and from Catholic Charities agencies across the network. Check out the latest news,

advocacy efforts and stories from CCUSA’s ministry, along with general guidance from the federal government.

View the Resource Center here. If you know of any additional resources to add please email Simona Wright-

James at swright@CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

CCUSA joins with USCCB/MRS expressing concern over EOIR Fee Review

CCUSA and USCCB/MRS submitted comments and requested that EOIR withdraw these proposals that make

appeals, applications, and motions less accessible to respondents and could also negatively impact Catholic

institutions who work with immigrants. Read the comments here.

CCUSA joins USCCB, CHA and CLINIC in urging DHS to remove barriers to care during COVID-19 pandemic

CCUSA urges DHS and its components to remove barriers to healthcare access so that immigrants may safely

comply with government recommendations during this global pandemic health crisis. They asked DHS review all

immigration enforcement activities and operations, particularly suspending activities at sensitive locations, and

broadly release explicit guidance that the public charge rule does not apply during this COVID-19 outbreak. Read

the comment here.

USCCB Updates

USCCB COVID-19 Resource PageOn the Justice for Immigrants website, a resource page on COVID-19 has been made with resources

from different agencies. They have sections on policy related resources, prayer resources as well as

resources by government and health organizations. If you have a resource you would like to share,

please send it to jfi@usccb.org. View the resource page here.

40th Anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980On March 18, 2020, JFI host a webinar that celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the passage of the

Refugee Act of 1980 with historical reflections and analysis of current refugee policies, operations, and

solutions. The webinar also covered how to plan for World Refugee Day 2020, on Saturday June 20th.

Missed the webinar? See the slides and recording on the webinar page. Want to learn more about

World Refugee Day 2020 planning? See these resources.

New JFI Resources on the CensusJFI has a new backgrounder Information Sharing and Immigrant Participation in 2020 Census which is

available in both English and Spanish.

CLINIC Updates

CLINC COVID-19 Resource Page CLINIC is tracking and reporting changes in government policies that affect immigration services in

agencies and the immigration courts. They are advocating for measures that promote public health and

safety and protect immigrants and their legal representatives during this national emergency. They also are

closely monitoring how immigrants in the United States, abroad and at our borders are affected. Please

make sure to regularly check their website for these updates. CLINIC Affiliates are encouraged to contact

the Advocacy team at advocacy@cliniclegal.org if they are encountering issues in your practice that are not

addressed by measures taken by federal agencies. View the resource page here.

CLINIC Convening 2020 Has Been Canceled

In keeping with the guidance from health authorities, CLINIC has decided to cancel this year’s Convening

in Las Vegas, scheduled for May 27-29. It will not be rescheduled in 2020. CLINIC’s staff and board are

disappointed not to see you in person and to hear about your successes and challenges this year. They

remain committed to providing training and technical assistance to our network and our team is available

virtually during e-learnings and webinars and CLINIC affiliates may continue reaching out to us through

your Field Support Coordinator, Ask-the-Experts Portal or contacting CLINIC’s advocacy team.

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CDC Guidance on how to keep home, work, and other spaces safe. View the

resource here.

CCUSA authored an analysis on the H.R. 748, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and

Economic Security (CARES) Act. The summary covers major investments that

the bill makes on behalf of nonprofit organizations that will benefit Catholic

Charities agencies and those we serve. View the resource here.

Justice for Immigrants (JFI)/USCCB created a document highlighting some of the

major migration provisions in the CARES act and giving an overview of how the

Public Charge Rule applies in this situation. View the resource here.

Refugee Council USA authored COVID-19 Legislation informational document

covering quick facts and analysis for refugees and resettlement offices. View the

resource here.

CLINIC put together a resource providing recommendations for immigration

programs on how to continue providing immigration legal service in the event of

office closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CLINIC has also compiled

sample plans from CLINIC affiliates to continue offering immigration legal

services during the COVID-19 pandemic available for download. View the

program suggestion resource here and the sample plans from affiliates here.

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Mindheart has created a short children’s book about the coronavirus

pandemic, available in 25 different languages. This book is an invitation for

families to discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation.

It is important to point out that this resource does not seek to be a source of

scientific information, but rather a tool based on fantasy. Access the book

here.

Switchboard put together some COVID-19 Resource Roundup that contains

fact sheets, posters, multimedia resources, and links to live updates in

multiple languages about COVID-19, its symptoms, and how to prevent it; and

about handwashing. Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

resources are listed first, followed by materials from other sources organized

by type. View the resources here.

Informed Immigrant has a toolkit that divides immigrant resources based on

state. The toolkit also includes a section of helpful resources for students.

View the resources here.

American Immigration Lawyers Association has congregated statements

covering policy changes across immigration enforcement agencies and other

resources for legal service providers. View the resources here.

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The Refugee Response has put together a series of informational YouTube

videos that cover frequently asked questions about the coronavirus. The

videos are available in over 10 different languages. View the resource here.

The California Immigrant Youth Justice Alliance (CIYJA) created a

resource guide for undocumented immigrants living in California. The guide

including information about workers’ rights, access to free food, financial

assistance, and more is available in both Spanish and English. View the

resource here.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refuge Rights (ICIRR) created a

resource guide for immigrant families in Illinois which includes information

regarding public benefits, unemployment insurance, food security, and more

is available in both Spanish and English. View the resource here.

Immigrants Rising has compiled a resource guide in Spanish and English

that covers coping with stress and fear, health access and guidance,

connecting to free/low cost resources, legal rights, and supporting

businesses. View the resource here.

CIELO has put together information about COVID-19 in over 30 indigenous

languages. View the resources here.

What’s

Happening in

April

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

The Foundation for Financial Planning 2020

Grants. Deadline: June 1st, 2020

The Foundation for Financial Planning is

accepting grant applications from nonprofit

organizations whose programs link pro bono

financial planners to people in need. Programs

should include one-on-one engagements

between Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®)

professionals and pro bono clients, and help

people who are underserved by the market and

could not ordinarily access quality, ethical

financial advice. Grants are generally in the

range of $5,000 to $40,000. Learn more about

eligibility and how to apply here.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunity Challenge

Deadline: May 26, 2020

The World Education Services (WES) Mariam Assefa Fund and the Tarsadia Foundation announced a joint $1 million

grantmaking initiative to support the success of immigrants, refugees, and their communities nationwide. The

challenge will open on March 23, 2020, and grant submissions will be accepted through May 26, 2020. We have

assembled an inspiring group of experts, community leaders, and social entrepreneurs to help us identify a shortlist of

semi-finalists from which we will select seven finalists to receive grants of up to $200,000. You can find additional

details about the challenge, the selection committee members, challenge timeline, and more on the Fund’s

website. The press release is here.

The Protecting Immigrant Families, Advancing our Future (PIF) Campaign – a collaborative project between the

Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – is now inviting proposals

from community-based non-profit organizations. In light of the implementation of the public charge regulations and

current public health crisis, the PIF Campaign seeks applications that would build capacity to mitigate harm and

empower immigrant communities to fight fear with facts. Preference will be given to organizations and coalitions well-

positioned to directly interface with immigrant communities. View the proposal here.

Partner with PIF: Request for Proposals

Deadline: December 2020

WEBINARS AND TRAININGS

Volunteer Engagement Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Virtual Convening

Sterling Volunteers – Thursday, April 9th, 2020 2:00PM EST

Responding to COVID-19 from the Immigration Legal Services Perspective

CLINIC – Recorded Webinar

During this webinar, speakers will share updates on how USCIS and other federal agencies are responding to COVID-

19. Additionally, speakers will provide tips and practice pointers on program models and preparing cases and

clients. Most importantly, there will be a Q&A session to hear from you about the challenges you are currently facing

because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch recording here.

The webinar will cover impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic on volunteer engagement across the sector; examples of

how organizations are adjusting strategies in response to the changing circumstances; considerations and tips to help

you shift your engagement practices; available resources to support you in your engagement efforts; and the value of

connecting with peers during these challenging times. Register here.

Join CCUSA Social Policy staff to discuss recent COVID-19 legislation and how this impacts the nonprofit sector. Even

though many of the provisions are still in the rulemaking phase, this webinar will provide you with an overview of

provisions for nonprofits included in the recently passed CARES Act as well as a detailed discussion on SBA loans and

payment protection. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions of experts familiar with the legislation and the

SBA process. Watch recording here.

COVID-19 Legislation and Nonprofit Provisions

CCUSA – Recorded Webinar

WEBINARS AND TRAININGSRefugee Council USA's (RCUSA) Advocacy Days Postponed to Next YearRCUSA -April 16, 2020 12:00PM EST

Migration & Coronavirus: A Complicated Nexus Between Migration Management and Public HealthMigration Policy Institute – Recorded

This webinar, organized by the Migration Policy Institute and the Zolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility at The New

School, discussed the state of play around the globe and examined where migration management and enforcement

tools may be useful and where they may be ill-suited to advancing public health goals. Experts compared the current

response (and rhetoric) to what has been seen during prior major public health crises in the United States and

internationally, and discussed how this is likely to affect future mobility and international cooperation on issues such as

humanitarian protection. View recording here.

With the health and well-being of all participants being the highest priority, RCUSA's Advocacy Days has been

rescheduled to March 2-3, 2021. Despite the cancellation, RCUSA will be issuing a toolkit tailored for digital

advocacy with social media posts, graphics and tips for reaching out directly to your Members of Congress in your

community. RCUSA is putting on a webinar to accompany the RCUSA toolkit. Please register in advance for the

webinar. Thank you for your continuing support for refugees! Register here.

Selected Issues in U Nonimmigrant StatusCLINIC - April 7 – April 28, 2020

This four-week webinar series will focus on cutting edge and developing issues in U nonimmigrant status and

adjustment. Topics will include issues related to the waiting list, discretionary determinations, new grounds of

inadmissibility that arise for those on the waiting list or in U status, renewed scrutiny of previously waived grounds of

inadmissibility, extensions of status, the impact of removal orders on adjustment of status and adjustment of status

for derivatives, including the I-929 process. Register here.

Have any th ing RIS re la ted you wou ld

l i ke to inc lude in the month ly

p resenta t ion?

Any ques t ions or feedback?

Email bmckeon@catholiccharitiesusa.org

Contact

Us